The City invests its annual allocation of Federal CDBG and HOME funds in a continuum of activities and programs including affordable housing development and preservation, homeless assistance, homeless prevention, human services and economic development.

Recent Affordable Housing Accomplishments

Willow Apartments – In 2013 the City provided over $90,000 in HOME funds to a local nonprofit to rehabilitate an existing 12 unit apartment building and convert one unit to an ADA accessible unit. The units will be rented to low income residents with a preference for Veterans.

Cedar Street Apartments – The City invested over $1.3 million of CDBG, HOME & RDA funds for the development of 15 new units of permanent supportive housing for individuals with mental illness. This project was completed and occupied in 2012.

City Center Apartments – In 2012 the City provided a $100,000 CDBG grant for the completion of podium deck repairs to eliminate water intrusion, increase safety and preserve 81 units of affordable rental housing for families.

Casa de Redwood – In 2012 the City provided a $50,000 CDBG grant for the completion of safety, accessibility and mechanical improvements to elevators to preserve 136 units of affordable senior rental housing.

Housing First Main Street Apartments – Over the past three years the City has invested over three million dollars of CDBG, HOME and RDA funds to acquire a 23 unit apartment building, complete property rehabilitation and energy efficiency improvements. The units will be rented to low and very low income households, with five units reserved for chronically homeless individuals.

Ongoing Affordable Housing Activities

Housing Rehabilitation – Affordable Housing Preservation

Home Improvement Loan Program – The City provides low interest single and multi-family housing rehabilitation loans. Over 2500 units of existing affordable housing have been rehabilitated and preserved through this program.

Free Home Repairs - Volunteers provide free home repairs to very low income homeowners to help preserve their existing affordable housing.

Housing Accessibility Modifications – Each year the City provides CDBG funds to a local nonprofit organization to provide free accessibility modifications for low income persons with disabilities to allow them to remain living independently in their homes.

Fair Housing Services – Each year the City provides CDBG funds to a local nonprofit organization to provide fair housing discrimination investigation, tenant/landlord assistance and public education on fair housing laws provided to assist residents to maintain their existing affordable housing.

Legal Services – The City has provided CDBG funds to a local nonprofit organization to provide free legal assistance to help prevent involuntary displacement from housing, delay evictions providing time for tenants to seek other housing or other legal services necessary to stabilize housing situations including pre and post foreclosure assistance.